10
LIFE OF CHRIST.
13.
What did He then say should be the con-
dition of mind of those who pray? Verse 24.
14.
What feelings did the Saviour say we should
cherish toward others if we would receive benefit
from our prayers? Verse 25.
15.
If one does not do this, what will be the
result? Verse 26.
READING.
Jas. 1: 6, 7.
Col. 3:13.
Matt. 18:35.
"Desire of Ages," chapters 64, 65; "Spirit of Prophecy " vol.
3, chapters 1 and
2.
NOTES.
t. Jesus knew before reaching the tree that it bore ho figs. But
its outward appearance, by having leaves in advance of other
trees, proclaimed that it did have fruit on, although the time of figs
was not yet come. The tree had a designed purpose,—that of
bearing fruit. By not doing so, it transgressed the law of its being
while presenting a boastful and deceitful show of superiority over
its neighbor trees. By this it had forfeited its place in creation,
and so by the word which produced it, the penalty of removal was
pronounced. This fitly represented the Jews of that day, as well as
professed Christians of to-day, who claim to have more light and
truth than others. God had borne with the Jews many years, but
as in the parable in Luke 13 : 6-9, the time was present when it was
proper to say, " Cut it down." So it will be with all who do not
meet the design of their being.
2.
Three years before, at the beginning of His ministry, Christ
had done the same thing, but apparently with little lasting effect,
for the same abuse had been restored. Had the first cleansing
been regarded, the fig tree would have borne fruit, and no place
would have been found for the second cleansing. But before being
put to death, Christ had a public work to do in the very court of
the temple, in order to confirm before all the people His Messiah-
ship, and as He could not do this in the midst of wicked desecra-
tion, this cleansing was first necessary.
3.
For hours Christ held the court of the temple unchallenged
for healing purposes. He had wrought many miracles in Jerusa-